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Thursday, November 28, 2019

Alcohol News - 48/2019


Irish Times (Ireland) - Harris criticises drinks industry role in educating schoolchildren about alcohol
The involvement of the drinks industry in educating young people on the dangers of alcohol is “completely and utterly bizarre”, Minister for Health Simon Harris has said.
ERR News (Estonia/Latvia) - Estonians' drive to buy alcohol in Latvia subsiding
Last year, nearly one in three adults in Estonia had purchased alcohol in Latvia. While in earlier years, Estonians frequently made dedicated trips to Latvia to purchase alcohol, nowadays they are more likely to buy alcohol when already traveling through.
NewmarketToday.ca - Even modest alcohol consumption can still pose risks for teens, study suggests
A survey from a team of Ontario researchers suggests even modest amounts of alcohol consumption during someone's high school years can lead to more problematic drinking habits.
The Brussels Times (Belgium) - Public alcohol consumption in central Brussels to be banned from February 2020
The consumption of alcohol during the night in central Brussels will be banned from 1 February over a six-month test phase.
Medical Xpress - Alcohol and tobacco policies can reduce cancer deaths: study
Policies aimed at cutting alcohol and tobacco consumption, including the introduction of random breath testing programs and bans on cigarette advertising, have resulted in a significant reduction in Australian cancer death rates, new research shows.
Expats.cz (Czech Republic) - Alcohol advertisements should not depict living people, says Czech Health Minister
Alcohol advertisements should not depict living beings and the health sector is preparing a bill to limit how long they can be displayed, Czech Health Minister Adam Vojtech (for ANO) said at the expert Alcohol and Tobacco 2019 conference today.
BBC News (Northern Ireland) - New unit for 'forgotten' patients with alcohol related brain damage
Patients with alcohol related brain damage (ARBD) have been referred to as a forgotten group - and Heather Magee is one of them.
BBC News (UK) - Alcohol-related brain damage: 'I've realised there's more to life than drink'
Heather Magee showed symptoms of dementia - but these were caused by her alcohol abuse. Now, she has found a way back to a better life.
Medical Xpress - Patterns of youth alcohol use show need for early intervention
Youth who drink a few times per month in grade 9 are likely to become weekly—and even binge—drinkers in the following years, says a recent University of Waterloo study.
Euro Weekly News (Spain) - Increase in alcohol poisoning in Spain
ALCOHOL abuse in Catalonia, Spain has led to emergency services caring for a large number of young people every weekend.
New Zealand Herald (New Zealand) - Whanganui alcohol policy limits entry to premises with late licences
Some of Whanganui's licensed premises are about to lose their revolving doors - for one hour before their closing time anyway.
Newswise - How your drinking co-workers affect the workplace
Excessive drinking by workers can place a burden on colleagues, whether through absenteeism, reduced productivity or alcohol-related accidents in the workplace.
University of Wisconsin-Madison (USA) - THE FINANCIAL BURDEN OF EXCESSIVE DRINKING IN WISCONSIN
This report (PDF) goes beyond the cost of alcohol-related impaired driving to consider the full range of alcohol-related costs imposed on Wisconsin’s taxpayers and residents.
Taipei Times - Drinking once a week can increase cancer risk: study
People who drink alcoholic drinks at least once per week are 19 times more likely to develop hypopharyngeal cancer than those who do not drink, researchers with the National Health Research Institute (NHRI) said yesterday.
Baltic News Network (Lithuania) - OECD: Lithuanians, among rich nations, having highest alcohol consumption
Alcohol consumption in Lithuania is the highest compared to other 43 countries in the world, found the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), also referred to as the «rich-nations club».

Sunday, November 24, 2019

FASD News - 47/2019


Cowichan Valley Citizen (Canada) - FASD has huge impact on homelessness
Reading such descriptions leads one to contemplate circumstances leading up to the Lewis Street raid, and the causes for homelessness. One wonders, also, about application of the adage “to turn off the tap as well as to mop the floor”. Provision of housing and other supports is important.
2 Minute Medicine - Developmental assessment at 9 months of age can predict fetal alcohol syndrome
In this prospective cohort study, infants underwent developmental and dysmorphologic assessments at various times throughout early life.
BBC News (UK) - Foetal alcohol spectrum disorder: Mum's fight for diagnosis
An adoptive mum has spoken of her "lonely and isolating" journey to getting a diagnosis for her children's Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
CBC.ca (Canada) - Fetal alcohol disorder advocate calls for inquiry into inmate's death
A Canadian advocate for people with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder is calling for a public inquiry into a recent prison death.
My Yellowknife Now (Canada) - Recent workshop focuses on preventing FASD and reducing harms related to polysubstance use in pregnancy
The Department of Health and Social Services recently hosted a workshop in Yellowknife titled “Doorways to Conversation: Substance Use with Girls and Women in Pregnancy and Beyond” featuring keynote speakers Dr. Nancy Poole and Dr. Lorraine Greaves.
BabyGaga - The Painful Reality Of Living With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) can have an immense impact on an individual's lifestyle and can also leave a child with lifelong disabilities.
The Irish Sun (Northern-Ireland) - Local heroes from all walks of Northern Ireland life set to be celebrated at SuperValu SuperStars awards night
Brothers Reece and Jordan McNamara from Dromore have been instrumental in helping their parents to set up of local charity FASD Aware NI, which raises awareness of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.
Drymester (UK) - ALCOHOL AND ME, YOU AND PARENTS-TO-BE
This week #DRYMESTER is supporting the annual Alcohol Awareness Week. This year’s theme is ‘Alcohol and Me’, providing a chance for people right across the UK to get thinking about their own drinking.
NOFAS - New Senate Bill Will Help Children and Adults Living with FASD
New legislation to authorize comprehensive Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) support services, public health prevention, and research programs across agencies within the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services, Education, and Justice has been introduced this week in the U.S. Senate.
Beacon (UK) - How FASD Can Affect Pupil Behaviour (And What You Can Do About It)
Teachers often teach pupils with a range of diagnoses. In fact, it's highly likely you have children with a clinical diagnosis of some form in your classroom.

VIDEOS and MATERIALS
Healthcare Improvement Scotland - SIGN Guideline on Fetal alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
The clinical guideline was published in 2019. It is based on what we know from current research. Some parts of the clinical guideline were adapted from the Canadian guideline for diagnosing FASD.
CAMP- A FASD Community - We are CAMP | Summer Camp Video
Learn more about the only summer camp in the nation specialized for children (ages 9 to 18) with FASD! Dates and rates for our 2019 programs to be announced this fall.
ThinkTech Hawaii - The lasting effects of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (Finding Respect in the Chaos)
American Academy of Pediatrics - Alcohol and Pregnancy: It’s Just Not Worth the Risk
There's no guarantee that a baby will be born healthy or grow up healthy. However, there is an absolute guarantee that a child will not have a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) if a mother does not drink alcohol while pregnant.
All Wales Forum - 'Think brain, not blame' A short film about FASD
This is a short film that offers an introduction to FASD and provides an insight into what life is like for one child who is living with it.
Connecting Foster & Kinship Carers SA CF&KC-SA - Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder - Stewart McDougall – CFKC
Researcher Stewart McDougall shares his findings on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and is joined by Alice Wilson who relates some of her experiences of caring for a young person with FASD.
Werry Workforce Whāraurau - Champions’ Forum - Michelle Brewerton, Te Pou o te Whakaaro Nui, FASD
Hosted by Werry Workforce Whāraurau, SPHC: Supporting Parents Healthy Children Champions' Forum 2019
BRAD!BRYAN Multimedia - It’s Not Worth the Risk
This public service announcement aims to raise awareness about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, or FASD. It was created for the Florida Center for Early Childhood, a not-for-profit organization specializing in child development.
Teachers pay teachers - Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Pack (FASD) - Child Development
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Pack provides great resources for teaching high school students about the dangers of consuming alcohol while pregnant.

RESEARCH
Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research - The impact of paternal alcohol consumption on offspring brain and behavioral development
These results demonstrate that the developmental impact of preconception PatEE is more harmful than previously thought and provide additional insights into the biological mechanisms that may underlie atypical behavior observed in children of alcoholic fathers.
Pediatrics - Early-Life Predictors of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Assessment of a combination of growth, dysmorphology, and neurobehavioral characteristics allows for accurate identification of most children with FASD as early as 9 to 18 months.
Pediatrics - Early Detection of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: An Elusive but Critical Goal
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) comprise the most common preventable cause of neurodevelopmental disabilities worldwide, with prevalence estimates of 1.1% to 5.0% in the United States and Western Europe1 and 13.6% to 20.9% in South Africa.
Human Brain Mapping - Multivariate models of brain volume for identification of children and adolescents with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) have shown reductions of brain volume associated with prenatal exposure to alcohol.
Alcohol - Maternal Iron Nutriture Modulates Placental Development in a Rat Model of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) causes developmental abnormalities known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Maternal iron status modulates the severity of these defects in the offspring. Because the placenta is central in supporting fetal development, we investigated if maternal iron status similarly modulates alcohol’s effects in the placenta.
Advances Inpediatric Research - Comparison of the 4-Digit Code, Canadian 2015, Australian 2016 and Hoyme 2016 fetal alcohol spectrum disorder diagnostic guidelines
The needs of individuals with FASD are best met when diagnostic systems provide accurate, validated diagnoses across the lifespan, the full spectrum of outcome, the full continuum of alcohol exposure; and utilize diagnostic nomenclature that accurately reflects the association between outcome and alcohol exposure.
British Journal of Pharmacology - Prenatal and postnatal alcohol exposure increases vulnerability to cocaine addiction in adult mice
Our findings demonstrate that maternal binge‐like alcohol consumption during gestation and lactation alters sensitivity to the reinforcing effects of cocaine in adult offspring mice.
Universitat Duisburg Essen - Substance use and psychiatric comorbidities in adult FASD patients
In Germany, data on adult FASD patients and their mental health are rare. The study aims
to describe substance use patterns and psychiatric comorbidities in adult FASD patients.
Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research - Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders in a Pacific Southwest City: Maternal and Child Characteristics
Data from this general population sample in a large urban region in the United States demonstrate the variability of expression of FASD and point to risk and protective factors for mothers in this setting.
Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research - Prenatal alcohol exposure alters error detection during simple arithmetic processing: An EEG study
Arithmetical error‐related theta activity is altered by PAE and can be used to distinguish between exposed and nonexposed individuals and within diagnostic groups, supporting the use of numerical and quantitative processing patterns to derive a neurocognitive profile that could facilitate diagnosis and treatment of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
European Journal of Public Health - Monitoring Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder during the neonatal period in France
This study is the first to produce a national estimate of the frequency of neonatal diagnosis of FAS. It shows a stability of the frequency of pFASD cases recorded over the 2006-2013 period which is certainly underestimated but gives a first minimal estimate of the burden of alcohol use during pregnancy in France.
Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology - Factors associated with atypical brain development in preterm infants: insights from magnetic resonance imaging
Future challenges are to analyse quantitative brain MRI data with collateral biological and environmental data in study designs that support causal inference, and ultimately to use the output of such analyses to stratify infants for clinical trials of therapies designed to improve outcome.
Frontiers in Psychiatry - Parents with Mental and/or Substance Use Disorders and their Children
Families living with parental mental and substance use disorders face considerable biopsychosocial and, oftentimes, socioeconomic challenges, with complex pathways to mitigating risk, enhancing resilience in children and youth, and supporting recovery in adults who are parents.
Nursing Problems - Students’ knowledge about foetal alcohol syndrome and their alcohol drinking habits
It has been shown that the field of study significantly affects the level of knowledge about FAS. Sex significantly influences drinking habits. The type and the amount of alcohol consumed by the students was related with their opinions about abstinence during pregnancy.
European Journal of Public Health - Pregnancy warning labels on alcohol packaging: results of an exploratory study
This study highlights the need for changes to pictogram currently used on alcohol packaging in France. Our results show that recent changes proposed by the French government (a slight increase in the size of the current pictogram) will most likely have little effect on preventing alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
Drug and Alcohol Dependence - Co-use of alcohol, tobacco, and licit and illicit controlled substances among pregnant and non-pregnant women in the United States: Findings from 2006 to 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) data
Co-use of several substances, including and especially of tobacco, alcohol and cannabis, persists among pregnant women in the United States.
Journal of addiction medicine - Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment for Prenatal Alcohol Use and Cigarette Smoking
Healthcare providers report universal screening for prenatal alcohol and cigarette smoking; however, brief intervention and referral to treatment are more limited practices.

IN OTHER LANGUAGES
Regenbogen (Germany) - Enissa leidet unter ADHS, ADS und FASD - ihr Mutter ist drogenabhängig
Mit ausgestreckten Armen und einem breiten Lächeln werde ich von Heike und Frank empfangen. Dann kommt Enissa um die Ecke in den Hausgang geflitzt und mustert mich mit ihren dunkelbraunen Augen. Aufgeweckt sieht sie aus. Wir verstehen uns auf Anhieb! Sie fragt wer ich sei und als ich ihr sage, dass ich vom Radio komme, werden ihre Augen groß!
BBC Afrique - Leur maman avait bu l'alcool pendant ses grossesses, les enfants en paient le prix
Reece, 11 ans, et son frère Jordan, 10 ans, n'aiment pas le changement. Leur mère, Alison, dit que chaque jour est comme le jour de la marmotte, obligeant la famille McNamara à suivre une routine stricte.
La Vanguardia (Granada) - Conferencia aborda los problemas del consumo de alcohol durante el embarazo
La Escuela Andaluza de Salud Pública (EASP), con sede en Granada y dependiente de la Consejería de Salud y Familias, acogerá los días 22 y 23 de noviembre la I Conferencia Nacional sobre el Trastorno del Espectro Alcohólico Fetal, primera causa de trastorno del neurodesarrollo.
ConSalud (Spain) - La exposición al alcohol en el embarazo aumenta la vulnerabilidad al consumo de cocaína en ratones
Los ratones que han tenido una exposición prenatal al alcohol reportan alteraciones en el circuito de su cerebro que los hace más susceptibles a desarrollar adicción por la cocaína.
Verneri (Finland) - FASD eri ikäkausina
Alkoholille altistunut lapsi saattaa syntyessään kärsiä alkoholin aiheuttamista vieroitusoireista: vastasyntynyt tärisee ja hänellä on kouristuksia.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Alcohol News - 47/2019


The Independent (UK) - TWICE AS MANY BABY-BOOMER MEN ADMITTED TO HOSPITAL FOR ALCOHOL-RELATED ISSUES THAN MILLENNIALS
Twice as many baby-boomer men are being admitted to hospitals for alcohol-related conditions as millennials.
CGTN America (USA) - ‘Sober curious’ millennials cutting back on alcohol consumption
It’s been called a ‘sober revolution.’ Younger people are paying more attention to their health, and consuming much less alcohol. Millennials, those born between 1981 and 1996, are driving this trend and disrupting a powerful industry, the alcoholic beverage market.
News-Medical.net - Parental permissibility for alcohol associated with risky drinking in adolescence
Many parents permit their adolescent children to drink alcohol, believing this helps teach them responsible use and avoids the appeal of 'forbidden fruit'. In research studies, greater parental permissibility for alcohol has been linked to earlier and heavier drinking in adolescence.
NDTV Food - Alcohol Ads On Television May Influence Underage Drinking, Experts Reveal
The researchers of the study found out that teenagers are heavy consumers of media and therefore exposed to more advertising.
Medical News Today - Alcohol intake and reduced brain volume: What explains the link?
Does drinking more alcohol shrink the brain, or does a smaller brain volume actually predispose individuals to drink more alcohol?
ERR News (Estonia) - Rural affairs minister not in favor of local alcohol sales restrictions
Members of the Reform Party are interested in making changes to the Alcohol Act that would grant cities, towns and municipalities the right to ban the sale of alcohol at entertainment establishments until 10 a.m. Minister of Rural Affairs Mart Järvik (EKRE) does not support the bill, saying that different restrictions throughout the country would only cause confusion and lead to unfair competition. According to a proposal of the Ministry of Rural Affairs, the same time-related restrictions should apply nationwide.
The Sydney Morning Herald (Australia) - Children buying alcohol and cigarettes online without ID checks
Children as young as 12 are exploiting online delivery systems to have alcohol and cigarettes sent straight to their homes or local post offices, with one in three getting booze delivered without an ID check.
Newshub (New Zealand) - New Zealand's alcohol problem getting worse – survey
Raising the price and not the glass is being seen as the only way to curb our alcohol problems. Data from the Ministry of Health's annual survey has found the number of 18- to 24-year-olds who consume six or more drinks on occasion is at 21.1 percent, up from 16.5.
BreakingNews.ie (Ireland) - Over 54,000 treated for alcohol abuse since 2012, figures reveal
More than 54,000 people were treated for alcohol abuse between 2012 and 2018. The Health Research Board says there were 7,464 treated cases last year, with men making up almost two-thirds of the figures.
PsychCentral.com - What Triggers Harsh Parenting Among Alcoholic Moms?
Alcohol dependence among mothers is a significant predictor of harsh parenting over time, according to a new study published in the journal Development and Psychopathology.
Telegraph.co.uk - Pernod Ricard accused of putting 'constant pressure' on staff to drink on the job
French drinks giant Pernod Ricard is facing court action for piling “constant pressure” on staff to consume alcohol on the job.
YLE News - Romantic relationships reduce alcohol abuse, study finds
The study, which drew on the longitudinal Finnish Twin Study (FinnTwin12), found that being in a romantic relationship reduced the association between genetic predisposition and drinking.
World Health Organization (Czechia) - Alcohol reduction, human resources for health and drug policy on the agenda as Dr Östlin meets Czech Prime Minister and V4 health ministers
Dr Piroska Östlin, WHO/Europe’s Regional Director ad interim, met with the Prime Minister of Czechia, Andrej Babiš, and Minister of Health, Adam Vojtěch in Prague to discuss cooperation on policies to reduce harmful use of alcohol.
RNZ (New Zealand) - Cannabis reform debate overshadows alcohol-related harm - addiction specialist
A leading addictions specialist says the political focus on cannabis reform is drowning out debate on the bigger problem of alcohol-related harm.
News Medical - Report investigates impact of smoking, alcohol on cerebellum and related cognitive function
There is consistent evidence that having an alcohol use disorder is associated with abnormalities in the cerebellum, a structure attached to the bottom of the brain that is involved in coordinating posture and balance but also in supporting some cognitive functions.
Reuters - Even moderate drinking by parents may impact kids
Roughly half of UK adolescents have seen a parent who’s not an alcoholic get drunk or tipsy, and
more than one in three can name at least one downside to parents’ drinking, a study suggests.
The Journal (Ireland) - Nearly 55,000 cases of problem alcohol use treated in Ireland over seven years
THERE WERE 54,263 cases of problem alcohol use treated in Ireland between 2012 and 2018, according to new figures from the Health Research Board (HRB).
Euronews (France) - 'Non' to Dry January in France, says President Emmanuel Macron
When the clocks strike midnight on December 31 to usher in the new year, professionals from France's wine sector will no doubt raise a glass to President Emmanuel Macron.
Voice of America (Russia) - Bucking Stereotypes, A More Sober Russia Emerges
Alcohol consumption by Russians has dropped by half over the past decade and now sits at levels that are lower than those of Western countries such as France and Germany, a recent study shows.

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Alcohol News - 46/2019


Medical Xpress - Gamblers under the influence of alcohol place higher bets after losses
Gamblers don't always make rational decisions. Their approach to any given bet is often influenced by the bets, wins and losses that have come before it—even when those things have no bearing whatsoever on the outcome.
The Star Online - How alcohol addiction occurs: the brain 'learns' alcohol
Running into a former drinking buddy or passing a once-favourite bar can cause recovering alcoholics to relapse. But the biology behind why those setbacks happen was a mystery to scientists until just recently.
ERR News (Estonia) - OECD: Alcohol consumption in Estonia fell by almost a third in 10 years
Alcohol consumption in Estonia has declined significantly over the last decade, according to the latest Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) health report, but is still above average.
RTE.ie (Ireland) - New rules to curb alcohol adverts near young people
New advertising rules introduced under the Public Health Alcohol Act of 2018 will prevent drinks companies from promoting their products near schools, playgrounds or on public transport.
ITV News (Wales) - Minimum alcohol pricing to be introduced in Wales next year
The Welsh Government will introduce a minimum unit price for alcohol of 50p from March next year after it was approved by the National Assembly.
News Now Finland (Finland) - Study: more young people trying cannabis, but not alcohol or cigarettes
Young people in Finland are drinking less alcohol and smoking fewer cigarettes, but they’re experimenting more regularly with cannabis.
Voxy (New Zealand) - New drinking stats show extra cause for concern - Alcohol Healthwatch
Alcohol Healthwatch warns that data released from New Zealand’s largest annual health survey show that our drinking culture is continuing to move in the wrong direction. More New Zealanders are drinking and more are drinking heavily and frequently.
BBC News (UK) - Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: The 'heartbreaking' reality
The brothers, from Dromore, in County Down, are living with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), meaning that exposure to alcohol in the womb has left them with life-long disabilities.
Stuff.co.nz (New Zealand) - Alcohol & regret: consequences and lessons learned
Stuff is again partnering with the Global Drug Survey, an international online effort to educate and reduce harm caused by alcohol and recreational drugs. The 2020 survey is now open.
Total Slovenia News (Slovenia) - Youth Say No to Cigarettes & Alcohol, Yes to Marijuana & Social Media
Tobacco and alcohol seem to be losing appeal among Slovenian youth, according to a survey presented at a round table debate in Otočec on Wednesday. However, the use of cannabis is on the rise along with social media and video games addictions.
RNZ (New Zealand) - E-scooter injury study: surgeons call for alcohol ban, curfew
A study has found 180 people ended up in Auckland City Hospital with an e-scooter injury in the first 19 weeks the scooters were on the road.
Surrey Live (UK) - Burden of booze in Surrey: Funding cuts, surge in deaths, and more shops selling alcohol
A data investigation has found funding for alcohol treatment is being stripped as councils pick and choose which services get cash following government cuts.
IAS - A question of intent: Alcohol advertising campaign case studies make for sobering reading
Producing and selling alcohol remains very good business in the UK, contributing around 2.5% of total UK GDP in 2014, around £46 billion. However, it also remains a business associated with a wide range of acute and chronic physical and mental health burdens for consumers, and for those around them.
Health Insurance and Protection (UK) - Half of London workers binge drink at least once a month
The survey of 26,000 workers for Vitality’s Britain’s Healthiest Workplace reveals 36% of Londoners drink more than the NHS recommended 14 units of alcohol per week (the equivalent of six pints of lager or 10 small glasses of low-strength wine.)

Sunday, November 10, 2019

FASD News - 45/2019


Newswise - Study Highlights Impact of Drinking in Pregnancy and Informs Regional Prevention Strategies
A recent study in a US Pacific Southwest city estimated that, at a minimum, 2% of first-grade schoolchildren had an FASD. A new report in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research describes the range of FASD among these children and the characteristics of their mothers.
North Carolina Health News (USA) - Does North Carolina do enough to help children affected by a mom’s prenatal alcohol use?
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder is more common than many people think, with as many as one in 20 children affected. Many end up in foster care, special-education classes and often the courts, jails and prisons.
BBC News (Norther Ireland) - Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: The 'heartbreaking' reality
The brothers, from Dromore, in County Down, are living with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), meaning that exposure to alcohol in the womb has left them with life-long disabilities.
National Institutes of Health - Using both marijuana and alcohol during early pregnancy may increase the likelihood of disrupting fetal development
New preclinical research reported in animal models shows that exposure to compounds found in marijuana called cannabinoids (CBs), which includes cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), during early pregnancy can cause malformations in the developing embryo.
GPSpeak - FASD is forever, so let’s help make it never
Foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a lifelong condition where diffuse brain injury is caused by antenatal alcohol use. It is thought that the prevalence of foetal alcohol spectrum disorder may be as high of 2 - 4% of the Australian population.

UPCOMING
CARNA - INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH CONFERENCE ON ADOLESCENTS AND ADULTS WITH FASD (Apr 22, 2020 - Apr 25, 2020, Canada)
Although there have been thousands of published articles in FASD in general, there has been limited research specifically on adolescents and adults with FASD or on individuals across the lifespan.

VIDEOS and MATERIALS
onekidsplace.ca - FASD Support Program Presentation
The Bar Book Project - Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)
The purpose of this document is to collate published research, the findings of government reports and inquiries and academic commentary in relation to FASD, and the effects this may have on a person’s behaviour; development; physical, mental and social well-being; and links to contact with the criminal justice system.
American Academy of Pediatrics - The Role of Integrated Care in a Medical Home for Patients With a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Drymester - HELPING PARENTS-TO-BE GO ALCOHOL FREE
We know going alcohol free during pregnancy might be difficult. Don't worry, we're here to help and support you with resources, tips and advice.
FASD: Learning with Hope - Transitions and the D-word
Usually when we talk about transitions in supporting someone with FASD we talk about the little moments most people take for granted: the getting out of the house and into the car, the getting ready for bed after a busy a day.

RESEARCH
Advances in Pediatric Research - Comparison of the 4-Digit Code, Canadian 2015, Australian 2016 and Hoyme 2016 fetal alcohol spectrum disorder diagnostic guidelines
The needs of individuals with FASD are best met when diagnostic systems provide accurate, validated diagnoses across the lifespan, the full spectrum of outcome, the full continuum of alcohol exposure; and utilize diagnostic nomenclature that accurately reflects the association between outcome and alcohol exposure.
Qualitative Health Research - Disability “In-Justice”: The Benefits and Challenges of “Yarning” With Young People Undergoing Diagnostic Assessment for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in a Youth Detention Center
Undertaking research with young people presents an array of methodological challenges. We report the findings from a qualitative study that took place alongside a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) prevalence study among detainees in Australia.
BMC Health Services Research - A guideline for the prevention and management of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in South Africa
FASD in South Africa deserves urgent attention. Developing a specific policy to guide programmes could enhance and coordinate the efforts towards preventing and managing FASD.
International Journal of Law and Psychiatry - Sex offender treatment professional perceptions of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in the Midwest
Findings suggest there is a strong need to develop educational and training programs that better equip professionals with the skills to assist clients with FASD in treatment settings for inappropriate sexual behavior.
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health - Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: What does Public Awareness Tell Us about Prevention Programming?
The prevalence of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) does not appear to be diminishing over time. Indeed, recent data suggests that the disorder may be more prevalent than previously thought.
BMJ open - Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders from childhood to adulthood: a Swedish population-based naturalistic cohort study of adoptees from Eastern Europe
Major cognitive impairments, psychiatric morbidity, facial dysmorphology, growth restriction and ophthalmological abnormalities accompanies FASD in adulthood. Recognition of FASD in childhood warrants habilitation across the lifespan.
Cerebral Cortex - Prenatal Exposure to Ethanol Alters Synaptic Activity in Layer V/VI Pyramidal Neurons of the Somatosensory Cortex
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) encompasses a range of cognitive and behavioral deficits, with aberrances in the function of cerebral cortical pyramidal neurons implicated in its pathology.
Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience - Deficits in arithmetic error detection in infants with prenatal alcohol exposure: an ERP study
Overall, our research demonstrates that (a) the brain network involved in error detection can be identified and highly specified in TD young infants, and (b) this effect is replicable and can be utilized for studying developmental psychopathology at very early ages.
Neuropharmacology - Alcohol exposure in utero disrupts cortico-striatal coordination required for behavioral flexibility
these findings demonstrate how developmental exposure alters circuit-level activity leading to behavioral deficits and suggest a critical role for coordination of neural timing during behaviors requiring executive function.
IEEE - Cluster Analysis of Alcohol Consumption during Pregnancy in the Safe Passage Study
The resulting cluster analysis was able to characterize alcohol consumption in a comprehensive framework capable of taking into account both quantity and timing of exposure as well as the occurrence of binge drinking.
Pediatric Clinics - Effects of Fetal Substance Exposure on Offspring Substance Use
Prenatal exposure to alcohol and drugs is associated with physical, cognitive, and behavioral problems across the offspring’s lifespan and an increased risk of alcohol and drug use in adolescent and young adult offspring.
Molecular Biology Reports - The protective effect of quercetin in the alcohol-induced liver and lymphoid tissue injuries in newborns
Recently published experimental and clinical studies indicate that oxidative stress leads to the pathogenesis and progression of alcohol-induced tissue injuries.
International Journal of Developmental Neuroscience - Episodic Prenatal Exposure To Ethanol Affects Postnatal Neurogenesis In The Macaque Dentate Gyrus And Visual Recognition Memory
Targeted effects of ethanol on early neural generation (cell cycle and cycle exit) correlate with the timing-dependent degradation in VPC performance and exposure during gastrulation results in notable deficits. These changes evidence a pattern of fetal programming underlying FAS.
BMC Psychiatry - Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: neurodevelopmentally and behaviorally indistinguishable from other neurodevelopmental disorders
The findings question the uniqueness of children with FASD with respect to their neurodevelopmental impairments and behavioral manifestations.
EBSCO - Overcoming the challenges of caring for a child with foetal alcohol spectrum disorder: a Pilbara community perspective
This study aimed to investigate the experiences of caregivers in a remote Australian context. The findings will be valuable to inform programs at the family, community and broader policy levels that can help enhance children's development and wellbeing.

IN OTHER LANGUAGES
Kehitysvammaliitto (Finland) - FASD – LASTENSUOJELUN NÄKYMÄTTÖMÄT. KESKUSTELUTILAISUUS KANSALAISINFOSSA 11.11.
Miten palvelujärjestelmää pitäisi kehittää, jotta se tukisi entistä paremmin henkilöitä, joilla on FASD eli sikiöaikaisen alkoholialtistuksen aiheuttama vamma?
Informationsdienst Wissenschaft (Germany) - Zielgenau helfen, wenn Alkohol das werdende Leben geschädigt hat
Wie kann es gelingen, auf junge Menschen individuell einzugehen, die von der Fetalen Alkoholspektrum-Störung (FASD) betroffen sind? Im Mittelpunkt des Fachtages „FASD – Lernen erlaubt?“ steht am Freitag, 8. November 2019, auf dem Campus Cottbus-Sachsendorf der BTU Cottbus–Senftenberg unter anderem diese Frage.
Lokalkompass.de (Germany) - Fetale Alkoholspektrumstörungen (FASD) durch Alkoholkonsum in der Schwangerschaft
Über 10.000 Kinder kommen jährlich wegen mütterlichem Alkoholkonsum in der Schwangerschaft mit Fetalen Alkoholspektrumstörungen (FASD) zur Welt. Die Auswirkungen spüren die Betroffenen oft ein Leben lang.
Slovenske novice (Slovenia) - Bodoči očetje, opustite alkohol
Na otrokov razvoj in zdravje ne vplivajo le materine navade, pomemben je tudi način življenja bodočih očetov.
YLE (Finland) - A-studion ohjelma palkittiin vuoden raittiustekona
Ylen A-studion Oili Orispään toimittama ohjelma Kohdussa myrkytetyt on saanut Raittiuden Ystävät ry:n Vuoden raittiusteko 2019 -tunnustuksen.

Thursday, November 7, 2019

Alcohol News - 45/2019


ERR News (Estonia) - Tallinn City Government greenlights late night alcohol sales restrictions
Tallinn City Government has approved limiting alcohol sales at "entertainment facilities" from June 1 next year, Baltic News Service reports.
The Independent (UK) - Alcohol consumption will soon follow smoking and meat-eating in becoming a social evil
I grew up in a teetotal household and my siblings still don’t drink. I was with my English ex-husband on my first visit to a pub and I asked the baffled bartender if they had any herbal teas. By the time we split up, I was pairing wine with my food and turning my nose up at the lower shelves in the alcohol aisles at Waitrose.
The Guardian (UK) - UK parents' drinking negatively affects over a third of children – study
More than a third of children in the UK are negatively affected by their parents’ alcohol use, research has suggested.
Jakarta Post (Indonesia) - Liquor waste contaminates Bengawan Solo, disrupts water supply
Liquid waste in the form of a traditional Javanese alcoholic drink called ciu has contaminated the Bengawan Solo River in Surakarta, Central Java, killing fish and disrupting the area’s clean water supply for residents.
The Drinks Business (South Korea) - CELEBRITIES TO BE BANNED FROM ALCOHOL PACKAGING IN SOUTH KOREA
As reported by Korea Times,South Korea’s Ministry of Health and Welfare is looking to enforce the ban in a bid to stop glamourising the consumption of alcohol.
Irish Examiner (Ireland) - Ban on alcohol ads near schools and playgrounds
Drinks firms will be hit with hefty fines from next week if they attempt to “lure” young people into alcohol addiction by advertising their products near schools, playgrounds or on public transport.
YLE News (Finland) - Survey: Two-thirds of employers grapple with alcohol-related problems
Two out of three trade union workers have encountered alcohol-related problems at their workplace, according to a survey published by the Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions (SAK) on Wednesday.
Miami Herald (USA) - Florida to start selling alcohol at men’s basketball games
Florida will sell alcohol at men's basketball games beginning with the team's season opener against North Florida.
Expats.cz (Czech Republic) - Czech MPs approve tax hike on alcohol and tobacco, increase in parental benefits
The Chamber of Deputies, the lower house of Czech parliament, passed the parental benefit rise by 80,000 crowns to 300,000 as of January tonight after it unexpectedly returned to the approval of the government tax package.
Independent.ie (Ireland) - Alcohol a factor in 75pc of road deaths during off-peak hours
When the first government road-safety strategy was introduced back in 1998 there were 458 people killed in road crashes. Last year, 142 people died as a result of road trauma. It's still an unacceptable toll, but it does show that efforts to improve road safety have worked.
Kenyans.co.ke (Kenya) - Govt Set to Raise Minimum Price of Alcohol
Consumers of alcoholic beverages, especially spirits may have to dig deeper into their pockets to finance their appetite for the brew if a plan by Kenya Revenue Authority is to be executed.
BioNews - Alcohol causes epigenetic brain changes that could trigger cravings
The breakdown products of alcohol can travel to the brain and alter gene activity, which in turn could influence behaviour, suggests a new study in mice.
The Sun - Airlines accused of fuelling air rage by running ‘buy in bulk’ alcohol deals after Brits have boozy brawl at airport
AIRLINES have been accused of fuelling air rage by running “buy in bulk” alcohol deals. The warning comes just days after The Sun published footage of a Brit couple in a drunken brawl on an Alicante airport shuttle bus.
Baltic Times (Latvia) - Ban on carrying open containers of alcohol to be lifted in part of Latvia January 1
After the system of administrative justice is reformed, residents will no longer be banned from carrying open containers of an alcoholic beverage in public in part of Latvian cities and regions as of January 1, 2020.
Metro - Binging alcohol after Sober October is a ‘true risk’
Completing sober October is an impressive feat, and your liver is no doubt thanking you right about now if you managed. Whether it will be saying the same thing when you wake up on November 2 is a different matter.
OnuItalia (Italy) - WHO: Italy takes part in the consultation on the implementation of the Global Strategy to reduce the harmful use of alcohol
The WHO has opened a consultation, extended to Member States and all interested stakeholders, on results and challenges in implementing the “Global Strategy to Reduce Alcohol Abuse”, almost ten years after its launch, with a view to a renewed commitment towards horizon 2030 and the attainment of the “Sustainable Development Goals” in the field of health.
Chemico-Biological Interactions - Alcohol policies and alcohol-attributable cancer mortality in U.S. States
Although more restrictive alcohol control policies (e.g., higher alcohol taxes) are related to lower levels of alcohol consumption, little is known about the relationship between alcohol policies and rates of alcohol-attributable cancer.
The Telegraph (UK) - Unhealthy lifestyles fuel a 50 per cent rise in UK deaths from liver cancer
Britain's obesity epidemic has fuelled a 50 per cent rise in deaths from liver cancer in just a decade, new figures show.